Smartphone users still want long-lasting batteries more than shatterproof screens

At present, 41% of US smartphone users say longer battery life is the design feature they want most

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In September 2016, a YouGov Omnibus survey found that the feature US smartphone users aged 18+ wanted most in their device is longer battery life. Today, longer-lasting batteries still beat out other possible design improvements, such as a shatterproof screen or hands-free technology.

Indeed, as the chart above suggests, not much has changed in the past 16 months. While interest in longer battery life appears to have dropped a few percentage points, consumers still show a relatively consistent level of demand for each option included in both surveys.

A closer look by gender reveals that men and women are currently more likely to want the best camera available than they were in 2016. Men reported a three-point increase on this design feature, from 9% to 12%, while women moved five points, from 14% to 19%.

Likewise, a break down by age finds that US smartphone users aged 18-34 have more than doubled their desire for the best camera available, jumping from 9% in 2016 to 22% in 2018. Meanwhile, Americans aged 35-54 report a notable drop in their concern over longer battery life, falling from 50% to 37%. Some of these lost percentage points can be found in gains for a shatterproof screen (18% to 23%) and better camera (12% to 15%).